This was our very first backroads trip and we had a great time! The routes were scenic and challenging (2000 to 3300 ft of climbing first four days), but you will find some traffic in places and while most of the drivers give you room, not all do, so you should be comfortable riding in traffic with occasional close passes by vehicles. This is probably not the best trip for someone without road riding experience. Also, be prepared to deal with some heat and humidity, which was particularly intense in the Oso Peninsula. On the bright side, you will have everything you need to deal with that heat and humidity and the roads generally were in pretty good shape (much better than our roads in Houston, with very few exceptions over short stretches). The Team Leaders, Sasha and Estelle, were fantastic, riding with us and providing support and encouragement and generally just doing whatever it took to make sure everyone was happy. Also, the two local van drivers/support gurus, Luis and Juan Carlos, were nothing short of incredible. Always there marking tricky turns or potential danger spots, providing food and drinks, and even iced towels at the end of the hardest/hottest afternoon ride, making sure the bikes were working properly...I could go on and on about their support and still not do it justice. They were simply fantastic! Sasha, Estelle, Luis and Juan Carlos absolutely made the trip for us, and I can't thank them enough. Accommodations were very good, with Nayara Gardens being exceptional. Private deck and pool facing the jungle, large spacious room with fantastic amenities and even a private outdoor shower, their own hot springs, it was really something special. We also had many opportunities to meet with locals at lunches and breaks that we never would have found on our own. And to top it all off, the group we rode with were great people. I would highly recommend this trip to more experienced cyclists.

We had such a special trip. From the great riding to the hot springs around the majesty of Arenal, to the beautiful cabana at Nayara Gardens. Visiting OSA was such a treat… 2.5% of all species on earth can be found on this peninsula! 🤯. We saw 25+ bird specious from our balcony (which was perfectly aligned with the top of the canopy of trees!). 10/10 would recommend this trip. Also Britt & Aitor were top shelf leaders, we couldn't have asked for more compassionate, informed, adventurous and humours folks to lead our journey.

This was our first trip out of the country in almost two years and it was wonderful to be on the road again. Due to another non backroads trip being cancelled at the last minute, we scheduled the Costa Rica bike trip just over one week before it started. I was apprehensive because I am not a hard core bicyclist but knew Backroads always has lots of options for their rides. I felt comfortable and happy with the rides I did every day and of course the leaders are always your biggest cheerleader.

The leaders were well informed, kind, and energetic.

The guides/trip leaders lacked experience. Overnight accommodations were mostly excellent but the dining was lacking in quality. The trip routes were mostly challenging. The trip costs were too high when considering air fare costs as part of the package.

The first property we stayed at was very nice. It would have been better if the roads we biked on were less traveled by automobiles and trucks.

Backroads does a stellar job in every way, and this trip was no exception. Costa Rica is a lovely country, with fabulous physical beauty around every corner. BUT, there are so many pot holes on the roads that it is perilous not to have your eyes on the road all the time. I'm a bike to sightsee kind of person, so I found this less than satisfying.

We had a great Costa Rica biking trip. The guides were well-informed, fluent in Spanish, accommodating, professional, and personable! We had a variety of routes, activities, and food, with the option to rest if needed. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and look forward to another Backroads trip.

best trip ever

I had an amazing trip to Costa Rica with Backroads! Biking is definitely the best way to see this wonderful country, and the routes were great. The hotels were a treat to stay in, and the leaders were fabulous. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.